SOLAS requirement for Lifeboat Engine
1) Every lifeboat shall be powered by a compression ignition engine. No engine shall be used for any lifeboat if its fuel has a flashpoint of 43°C or less (closed cup test).
2) The engine shall be provided with either a manual starting system, or a power starting system with two independent rechargeable energy sources. Any necessary starting aids shall also be provided.
The engine starting systems and starting aids shall start the engine at an ambient temperature of -15°C within 2 min of commencing the start procedure. The starting systems shall not be impeded by the engine casing, seating or other obstructions.
3) The engine shall be capable of operating for not less than 5 min after starting from cold with the lifeboat out of the water.
4) The engine shall be capable of operating when the lifeboat is flooded up to the centreline of the crank shaft.
5) The propeller shafting shall be so arranged that the propeller can be disengaged from the engine. Provision shall be made for ahead and astern propulsion of the lifeboat.
6) The exhaust pipe shall be so arranged as to prevent water from entering the engine in normal operation.
7) All lifeboats shall be designed with due regard to the safety of persons in the water and to the possibility of damage to the propulsion system by floating debris.
8) The speed of a lifeboat when proceeding ahead in calm water, when loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment and with all engine powered auxiliary equipment in operation, shall be at least 6 knots and at least 2 knots when towing a 25-person liferaft loaded with its full complement of persons and equipment or its equivalent. Sufficient fuel, suitable for use throughout the temperature range expected in the area in which the ship operates, shall be provided to run the fully loaded
lifeboat at 6 knots for a period of not less than 24 h.
9) The lifeboat engine, transmission and engine accessories shall be enclosed in a fire-retardant casing or other suitable arrangements providing similar protection. Such arrangements shall also protect persons from coming into accidental contact with hot or moving parts and protect the engine from exposure to weather and sea. Adequate means shall be provided to reduce the engine noise so that a shouted order can be heard. Starter batteries shall be provided with casings which form a watertight enclosure around the bottom and sides of the batteries. The battery casings shall have a tight fitting top which provides for necessary gas venting.
10) The lifeboat engine and accessories shall be designed to limit electromagnetic emissions so that engine operation does not interfere with the operation of radio life-saving appliances used in the lifeboat.
11) Means shall be provided for recharging all engine starting, radio and searchlight batteries. Radio batteries shall not be used to provide power for engine starting. Means shall be provided for recharging lifeboat batteries from the ship’s power supply at a supply voltage not exceeding 50 V which can be disconnected at the lifeboat embarkation station, or by means of a solar battery charger.
12) Water-resistant instructions for starting and operating the engine shall be provided and mounted in a conspicuous place near the engine starting controls.
Ref: LSA Code